Fine particles of smog remain a concern in Montreal as the city ranks as the second-worst air quality city on Friday. According to the online platform IQAir, the air quality index in the metropolis was 134.
• Also read: Montreal is closing some outdoor sports facilities due to smog
• Also read: Smog leads to an increase in consultations for respiratory diseases
• Also read: Forest fires: A cloud of smoke reaches France
The cities of Toronto (154) and New York (128) ranked first and third respectively.
Despite being a mixture of fog and smog, the high concentrations of fine particles from the wildfires leave the city in a light cloud of smoke.
Screenshot | VAT News
The City of Montreal has also announced the closure of certain outdoor sports facilities due to air quality. This measure includes soccer and basketball fields as well as swimming and paddling pools.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
How high is the air quality index in your city and what health recommendations are derived from it?
Air Quality Index (AQI US)
101-150
Bad
sensitive people
AQI: GOOD
Great day to be active outside.
AQI: MODERATE
Some people may be particularly sensitive to particulate matter pollution
Particularly sensitive people: Consider reducing the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs of slowing down.
All the others : Great day to be active outside.
AQI: BAD for
sensitive people
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung diseases, the elderly, children and young people, minorities and field workers.
Sensitive groups: Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness can indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
AQI: BAD
for each
Sensitive people: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
All the others : Reduce the duration and intensity of activities. Take more breaks from outdoor activities.
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: VERY BAD
Sensitive people: Avoid any physical activity outdoors. Postpone it to a time when the air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
All the others : Avoid prolonged or strenuous activities. Consider moving or moving activities inward.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
AQI: CRITICAL
All the others : Avoid any physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive people: Stay indoors and maintain reduced activity levels. Follow these tips to keep particulate matter levels low indoors.*
*Note: If you don’t have air conditioning, it can be dangerous to stay indoors with the windows closed during extremely hot weather. If you’re hot, go to a place with air conditioning or check with your community to see if cooling centers are available in your community.
• Also read: The best air purifiers for your home
Several regions of Quebec are also affected by smog, namely Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentians, Lanaudière, Laval, Outaouais and Montérégie.
Screenshot | VAT News
Air quality is poor today for some vulnerable groups, such as asthmatics, but is expected to return to moderate levels by the weekend, according to IQAir.
The health department also recommends wearing an N95 if you are unable to stay indoors.